The claim comes after Grigorieva filed a restraining order against the actor, saying that he was "extremely violent".

A source told TMZ: "Mel and his camp are spinning the facts in a desperate attempt to protect his reputation.

"She tried to protect the baby [the couple's daughter Lucia] during one of Gibson's violent episodes when he punched Oksana in the face two times, breaking her teeth and giving her a concussion.

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"She tried to protect his reputation, depsite her fears of him and his verbal and physical abuse. She regrets having believed in his empty promises to obtain professional help to control his violent nature."

Her lawyers said: "The true facts will be brought out in a court of law. Oksana will continue to abide by the ethical obligations and rules arising from a confidential paternity action and will let the court decide the issue in this matter."